Chapter Text
“SENKUUUU!”
After years of a long-distance relationship, Luna screams at the top of her lungs as soon as she steps into the hometown of her ‘boyfriend.’
She misses him so much that she ended up sprinting towards him to give him a hug.
The innovation of the internet is useless because contacting him for personal matters is impossible. She only sees him on screen when the Kingdom of Science has urgent news or updates about the mission. Including that their communication is impossible for a private conversation knowing their stone world's computer is enormous and requires an amplifier. Thus, they never got an earnest conversation—a sole time to spend together.
Senku, as his typical self, was evidently disgusted and surprised, but didn’t pushed her away. Instead, he allows her to have the moment, even just for a minute.
The people who were present at that time were also shocked, but they've expected it would happen. As for other members, they couldn't come to welcome them as they were accomplishing something significant.
“Hey, Luna,” Senku greeted back.
“Senku~ You know, I missed you so much!” She cried.
“Ahh.”
Their allies from America have migrated to Japan before the moon mission. They came to deliver another device that will complete the manned rocket ship and to witness personally the stone world’s rocket launch that will happen next week.
Time flew so fast, it feels like yesterday since they started building the rocket ship.
“You’ve changed a lot!” She commented while releasing the embrace.
“Yeah.”
She was levitating when she recognized the same smile he gave her after they finished their task in America. A sudden flashback replayed in her mind which makes her visions occupied her fantasies. She already assumed, maybe, Senku is finally reciprocating her feelings.
Luna is not dumb to ignore the fact that their relationship is a political agreement. But she couldn't help but be deeply affectionate with the mad scientist who captured her heart.
It only took a strange noise from nearby to bring her back to reality, noticing the Senku had left before she could realize it. She observes them following the source of the sound before deciding to chase them.
“What happened?” Luna asked before she could even reach the place.
However, it seems no one heard her as she instantly guess the situation. It looks like Gen has failed some experiments or craft-making, which obviously, Senku ordered them to do.
It was not only him, yet including the four others who is with him. The tiny blemishes on his cheeks, some dirt in his slightly ripped kimono dress, and how messed up the place is. Why would he worry about him the most if the other four are also injured as him?
As if they have a world where nobody was there except them, is how she perceives it. How could she even detail the smallest gesture that others don’t even know what it means?
“I’m fine, Senku-chan,” Gen told as he wiped the dirt on his cloth.
“What part of that is fine, mentalist? Come with me right now. I’ll treat your injuries,” Senku lectured.
"But, this thing isn't started yet," Gen pointed at the object that looks what caused the explosion.
"We could later. As of now, you should come with me."
She kept watching the two of them as the others were helping to clean the place and assist the others. One thing that shook her world was when she saw how Sai came to offer a hand, and Senku quickly shove his arms away from Gen as he was the one who aid him.
"Gen, if you want me to hel-"
"No!" Senku replied instead.
"Senku-chan~ Sai just want to he-"
"I'm treating your injuries. Come with me, baka mentalist."
"Doi-hi~"
“Is it also an act of his kindness?” she thought.
Her mouth left open slightly while she kept watching them till their shadows disappear.
"Luna-sama, are you alright?"
She turns her head to Francois who seems standing beside her. She wears a fake smile and nodded, "Yeah."
"If you may, I should lead you to the restaurant here at Ishigami Village. I assume you are hungry after a long journey," Francois said.
"Yeah. Thanks."
She examines the place momentarily before leaving with the chef.
There's uneasiness inside her chest that she couldn't even get rid of. Still, she continues to act normal while passing by with the people she knows. Her accomplices are done with their lunch, so she was left alone in the resto.
Most are also gone back to work. Good thing, Francois is with her. While eating at the restaurant, she was told who will be joining the moon’s mission, obviously Ryusui and, Senku. But what surprises them is the news that Kohaku will be there instead of Tsukasa.
“S-so? It’s two-way, right?” Luna assures.
“Yeah,” Francois nodded.
“It’s been minutes since we've reunited, we’ll be separated again.”
She bit her lower lip lightly with a dejected look. The tip of her index finger circles at the glass of juice that Francois has served her before she sips on it. She was delighted that she was one of the chosen people entrusted to stay in Japan for the moon mission. Yet, the incident recently made her discern her insecurities.
She'd been told that Senku was never interested in love, as it is irrational. Now, this nearly convinces Luna.
"Luna, are you here?"
Normally, his voice could make her eyes form into a heart shape as she throbs because of overfilled joy and excitement. But suddenly things are different.
Luna appreciates Senku's efforts in looking for her, but it urges her to cry. When their eyes met, the scientist sits beside her.
"I've been looking for you."
"Really?" She mumbled.
"Yeah. Sorry. I left you earlier," Senku apologized.
She shook her head as she finishes her drink, "No. It's fine."
Silence filled the restaurant. There were only three of them, if only Francois didn't go inside the kitchen area. She wanted to walk out, yet it would make things more awkward. Just for her, maybe. She lightly taps her cheeks to calm her inner self. At least, it helped her a bit.
"Are you okay?"
"Huh?"
Their eyes met once again. Though it hurts, it is strangely nostalgic.
Why would he ever look for her? Is it because he felt responsible for their arranged relationship? Is it because he is guilty of choosing his priority first which is not hers? Is it because he is obliged to act as her boyfriend now that they've reunited?
"You know, that's the same look you gave me when we first met."
"Huh?"
"Now, I discover you did that for me to side with your team," She sighed.
"Ah. Sorry."
She inhales while mustering the courage she has, then asked Senku, "H-have you ever think of me as your girlfriend."
"No," Senku bluntly answered.
"Yeah," she squinted her eyes, suppressing her tears. "I know. "
"Why did you ask anyway?" Senku softly chuckled.
She moves the glass and stands up from her seat. She starts to step forward with her chin down.
Luna couldn't blame him for agreeing to her proposal. It's like she's been a burden to him since they met.
If only she had read the situation before. If she didn't let her assumptions influence her. She was too selfish of her desires that she didn't even consult what Senku thinks of her. She was too self-centered pursuing her ideal guy without even considering his preferences.
She felt guilty, feeling like she forces him to be his girlfriend in exchange of saving his life.
Biting her lips and totally shutting her eyes, she did her best to reply without shaking.
"I'm breaking up with y-you."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it echoed in each corner of the resto. It hurts her, but his response is what she foresaw. She couldn't hold her emotions anymore.
Her tears fill her eyes which blur her vision. She grabs her chest while silently gasping as she listens to his reply.
"Thank you."
Luna turns her head before entirely leaving the resto. Her tears continuously flow while she stiffened. Senku didn't even leave his seat to comfort her.
But it was for the best.
Maybe, it is an indication that he doesn't want her to get her hopes high, again. Like how he seduces her during the science war in America.
Senku's smile is so soft that it make her heart flutters, including his gentle gaze. She wonders if he already gave those to Gen. Luna thought their breakup would be the worst. Good thing, it happened this way.
Though she was dying inside, she smiled. She was heartbroken, but she doesn't want to suffer while cherishing the person who can't even return her feelings.
She waves her hand as she walks away.
"You're welcome."